Misperception and opportunity in South Asia

On Security issues, India and Pakistan remain caught in a zero‐sum game. Yet elites in both states recognize the imperative to avoid increased conflict and are much more focused on internal problems than is appreciated in the U.S. The impending treaty to ban nuclear weapons testing, and reported Indian preparations to conduct a test, have brought both states closer to key decisions regarding their nuclear programs. Some Indians argue that India must now conduct a series of tests and openly seek a sophisticated nuclear arsenal, while others urge adherence to the test ban and concentration on economic development as the key to power and security. Both Indians and Pakistanis see U.S. policy as unhelpful in the region, though for opposite reasons.